Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 October 2023
192. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education the reason a person (details supplied) was not paid for the full forty hours of work they provided under the 2023 home based programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45908/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of this year’s Summer Programme were announced by the Department on 9 February 2023. Again, all schools were given an opportunity to run a programme for those children that need it the most.
The main priority in 2023 has been that those children with the most complex special educational needs, especially in special schools, should have access to a school-based summer programme.
The terms and conditions for the 2023 Summer Programme were implemented following a comprehensive review and extensive engagement with education partners and stakeholders, including the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Autism. The Department also engaged with management bodies, schools and parents with a view to encouraging more schools to participate in the 2023 programme.
The aim of the Department is to meet the needs of families and to ensure every eligible child is provided with a summer programme. The preferred approach is that the Summer Programme is provided for children in school settings where children may have access to fully qualified teachers, adapted fun based activity programmes, special needs assistants and interaction with student peers. The school-based programmes provide a more holistic experience for students and help retain the important connection with school and peers. However, the Department does recognise that not all schools would have been in a position to provide a school-based programme. In such instances, a Home-Based Programme is available for students with complex special educational needs where the school-based programme is unavailable.
It is important that the Home-Based element of the Summer Programme provides support for the education and/or care needs of students with complex special educational needs during the summer break period. Under the terms and conditions of the 2023 Home-Based Summer Programme, it is clear that the allocation of hours is 10 hours per week for a maximum 4 weeks for an eligible student. This is a long standing arrangement under this scheme and is designed to ensure that children can receive additional support over a prolonged period during the summer break. It is not intended to be given over a short time period or to replicate the school day, given that is generally on a one to one basis.
The Department of Education also makes it clear that the published terms and conditions of the Home-Based Summer Programme should be read carefully by parents and schools before making an application and should also be referred to throughout the duration of the programme by all, including teachers and SNAs. The terms and conditions also state that, in delivering the programme, teachers and SNAs must adhere to the published terms and conditions of the programme.
In the case referred to by the Deputy, this person was paid the full allotted hours for 2 of the weeks worked (i.e. 10 hours per week). This person was then paid for the hours worked in the other 2 weeks which fell below the allotted 10 hours.
